ECKELS APPLYING PRESSURE TO MCLANE? SAYS REFERENDUM LIKELY

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels says there is a "strong
likelihood" commissioners will call for an Astros stadium
referendum by September 3, the last day possible for having
ballot language ready for the November 5 election, according to
John Williams of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Such a move is designed
to "pressure" Astros Owner Drayton McLane to remain in Houston
and speed up "stalled" talks over a $250M, 42,000-seat,
retractable-roofed ballpark. In the past Eckels had said a
referendum would not be conducted unless McLane supported the
stadium financing plans. Eckels noted that a November referendum
provides Harris County with several strategies: more time to
negotiate with McLane and develop details of a new facility;
placing pressure on MLB to prevent McLane from relocating if he
opposes a final plan. Eckels: "The referendum is not really
about Drayton. It's about whether or not the voters want to
build a stadium." Astros Senior VP Bob McClaren said the club
has "no problem" with a referendum (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/27).